The United States has imposed sanctions on an international network that facilitates the shipment of millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil worth billions of dollars to China. The sanctioning targets Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars, a front company linked to Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS), in accordance with Executive Order 13224 as amended by Executive Order 13886.
According to the U.S. government, the revenue generated from the sale of this oil funds various destabilizing activities, including the development of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, nuclear proliferation, and support for terrorist proxies such as the Houthis. The sanctions aim to restrict Iran’s access to resources that sustain its destabilizing actions.
The move is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to enforce National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, which imposes maximum pressure on the Iranian regime. As long as Iran devotes its illicit revenues to funding attacks on the United States and its allies, supporting terrorism globally, and pursuing other destabilizing actions, the U.S. will continue to use all available tools to hold the regime accountable.
The sanctions have been issued in response to ongoing security concerns, including attacks by Iranian-backed proxies on maritime shipping lanes, such as Red Sea Shipping and the U.S. Navy. The U.S. government has consistently emphasized its commitment to protecting national security interests and deterring Iran’s destabilizing activities.